TELC B1: German B1 exam structure and grading scale

Are you preparing for the TELC B1 German certificate exam and want to understand the exam structure and scoring? This article will help you master the entire B1 exam structure German TELC — from specific test sections to detailed scoring scales. In addition, SHD Academy Also share effective test preparation experiences for each skill, helping you confidently conquer the certificate right from the first time!

>> Reference:

• Summary of information you need to know about the TELC German exam
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• Which vocational training major in Germany should you choose for high salary in 2025?

German B1 exam structure 

To obtain a German language certificate at level B1, candidates can choose to take the exam through organizations such as TELC, Goethe, ÖSD, or ECL. Among them, TELC B1 is a popular choice thanks to its wide recognition in Europe and clear, accessible exam structure.

The structure of the German B1 exam according to the TELC system includes 2 main parts:

• Writing test (Schriftliche Prüfung): Includes three skills: Listening - Reading - Writing, test time 150 minutes (no break in between).
• Speaking Test (Mündliche Prüfung): Speaking test for individuals or groups of 2, lasting 15 minutes (not including 20 minutes of preparation).

Below are details of each section in the TELC B1 German exam structure:

TELC B1 Listening Test

The Telc B1 German listening test consists of 20 questions and lasts 30 minutes. Specifically as follows:

TELC B1 Reading Test

The Reading section of the TELC B1 exam lasts 90 minutes and includes both reading comprehension and grammar. The specific structure is as follows: 

TELC B1 Writing Test

Regarding TELC B1 writing skills, candidates need to write a letter of about 100 words. The maximum score for this part of the test is 45 points, the test takes 30 minutes. B1 writing skills do not specify a minimum score and are assessed based on the following criteria:

• Content: The essay must fully present the ideas required by the topic (maximum 20 points).
• Layout: The letter should be well-structured, clear and logically sound (maximum 10 points).
  Grammar: Use correct grammar structures, minimizing errors (maximum 10 points).
• Vocabulary: Use rich, accurate and contextually appropriate vocabulary (maximum 5 points).

TELC B1 Speaking Test

Total time for TELC B1 speaking skill is 15 minutes (not including 20 minutes of preparation), specifically:

The speaking part of the TELC B1 exam is assessed on factors such as pronunciation clarity, vocabulary, fluency, communication skills, and organization and presentation of content.

>> Reference:

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TELC B1 score scale and scoring method 

After mastering the structure of the German B1 exam, the next step that candidates need to pay attention to is the scoring scale and how to calculate scores in the TELC B1 exam. This not only helps you assess your current ability, but also supports building German learning roadmap effective, focus on important parts of the exam.

The TELC B1 exam has a maximum score of 300 points, divided into two main parts: the Writing part (Listening, Reading, Writing) and the Speaking part. Each skill has a different weighting, reflecting the level of importance in using German at level B1.

To be recognized as having passed (Bestanden), candidates need to Get at least 60% points in each section:

• Writing Section: from 135/225 points
• Speaking Test: from 45/75 points

If you fail either part, you can retake that part within 12 months without having to retake the entire exam.

TELC B1 certificate ranking by score:

• 180 – 209.5 points: Satisfactory
• 210 – 239.5 points: Fair
• 240 – 269.5 points: Excellent
• 270 – 300 points: Excellent

>> Reference: 

• Top 10 effective websites to learn German online 
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Some effective experiences in taking the TELC B1 exam

To achieve high results in the TELC B1 exam, you need to prepare carefully for each skill such as listening, reading, writing and speaking. Below are some German learning experience useful for each skill:

About listening skills:

• Practice listening regularly: Listen to German conversations, songs or TV shows to improve your listening comprehension. Pay attention to the main idea and important details.
• Practice with sample tests: Get familiar with the structure of the German B1 exam by practicing with sample listening tests. This will help you understand how the questions are structured and how much time you have to complete the test.

About reading skills:

• Read a variety of materials: Improve your reading comprehension by reading books, newspapers, and other German documents. Pay attention to the vocabulary and grammar in the texts.
• Practice with multiple choice exercises: Take multiple choice exercises to improve your ability to identify key information and summarize content.

About writing skills:

• Write regularly: Practice writing short paragraphs or letters on familiar topics. Pay attention to the structure of your writing and use correct grammar.
• Get feedback: Ask a teacher or friend to review your writing to get feedback and improve your writing skills.

About speaking skills:

• Practice speaking every day: Find opportunities to communicate in German, perhaps with friends or by joining German clubs. This will help you gain more confidence in speaking.
• Prepare for the speaking test: Get familiar with common topics in the speaking section of the B1 German exam structure. Prepare ideas and practice presentations to improve your speaking skills.

By applying these tips, you will be better prepared for the TELC B1 exam and more confident in demonstrating your language skills.

Shd Education – German language training center and TELC exam coordination

Shd Education – German language training center in the SHD ecosystem. With 7 years of experience accompanying students to conquer German language certificates, the center has successfully supported more than 3,900 students to achieve their language goals and realize their dreams. Study study in Germany.

From March 18, 2025, SHD Education has been officially licensed by the Ministry of Education and Training to organize the TELC exam in Vietnam, becoming one of the pioneers in Ho Chi Minh City in organizing this exam. This is not only an important milestone affirming the prestige and quality of training, but also helping students experience a complete learning - training - testing ecosystem right at one location, thereby saving costs, shortening time and reducing psychological pressure when entering the official exam.

Especially when accompanying German language center At SHD Education, students will receive outstanding benefits such as:

• Lean and effective roadmap: Students are supported with free entrance tests, from which they can build a learning path that suits their abilities. With intensive and semi-intensive courses, students can achieve TELC B1 certification in just 9 months, saving time while still ensuring quality.
• Netzwerk New international standard curriculum: The Netzwerk New curriculum offers a wide range of topics, from everyday life to professional fields, helping students easily approach and conquer the TELC certificate according to their personal goals.
• Personalized Learning: Focus on exploiting the needs and receptive abilities of each student, ensuring that each person has access to content appropriate to their level.
• Experienced teaching staff: Students interact directly with Vietnamese teachers and native teachers with more than 30 years of teaching experience, ensuring exam preparation and TELC certification according to the goals set by students.

In short, master it. German B1 exam structure is an important step to help you determine the appropriate review path. When you understand each test section, how to calculate scores as well as the assessment criteria, you will easily focus on the skills that need to be improved and increase the possibility of achieving level B1 on the first test.

If you are still wondering where to start learning German, Shd Education will be a reliable companion on the journey to conquer this language. With a systematic learning path, clear orientation and a dedicated support team, SHD Education will help you get closer to your dream of studying in Germany - opening the door to study and develop in one of the leading educational systems in Europe.

SHD Education contact information:

• Hotline: (+84-28) 6276 0276
• Email: info@shdeducation.vn
• Address: 679 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 – 17:00